This is not just a cup of coffee. This is a cup of hope. By partnering with unemployed people and training them to be an entry level barista, we are changing lives from the Ground UP.

This is not just a cup of coffee.

This is a cup of hope.

By partnering with the unemployed and training them to be an entry level barista, we change lives from the Ground UP.

Ground UP Academy is a Learn to Earn initiative to train and equip unemployed people in becoming entry level Baristas. Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the South African economy. In the Western Cape alone, there are more than 180 micro-coffee roasters, in addition to the main stream coffee suppliers. The explosion of coffee chains, independent operators and retailers developing speciality in-store departments underscores the growth and development of this area. As the coffee culture in SA matures more and more companies are requiring skilled Baristas.

With this in mind LtE established the Ground UP Academy in 2015. All training is conducted in line with LtE’s approach to holistic human development, covering social, economic, emotional and spiritual development. With the result of a well-rounded Barista who can work in any coffee environment. Training includes coffee theory & practical, job shadowing at local coffee shops and Life Skills. Ground UP entrepreneurial activity is through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – graduate Ground UP Baristas available for events and functions using mobile coffee units.

How to support Ground UP:

Hire Ground UP for your next event:Hire our mobile barista unit to visit your next event (birthday celebration, school event, sports day etc). The barista’s manning the unit are graduates from the programme.|

Specialty Coffee Association Training:The Ground UP Barista Academy offers training that is accredited by Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCA). When training is offered in a commercial setting, the already employed, entry-level employee is given an opportunity to improve their skill set. B-BEEE Application: Through contributing towards the skills training for the unemployed, formal & informal training scorecard requirements can be met, together with training offered to selected own/existing employees (as relevant). Additional points available for training and subsequent employment of previously unemployed people, as per target specific EAP demographic requirements.

Donate:Donate a once-off or a monthly amount to the programme (donations are tax deductible)

Buy coffee:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Bean There fair trade coffee from Learn to Earn – not only is the coffee ethically produced, but all revenue generated through sales goes back into the Academy.